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“IT IS A KNOCKOUT VICTORY. Hey Norfolk, Virginia, your young man just did it.” That is what the Top Rank commenter screamed when referee Harvey Dock reached the 10-count and waved off the fight. The crowd at the Madison Square Garden Theater erupted in cheers as Keyshawn Davis was declared the new WBO lightweight champion with a triumph over Denys Berinchyk. On Valentine’s fight night, ‘The Businessman’ secured a dominating 4th-round KO victory with two vicious body shots that sent the champion to his knees, making him a world champion at just 25. The win was a milestone not only for the Norfolk native but for his loyal fans who packed the arena to witness their star.
Among the crowd of passionate supporters were some heavyweights of the boxing world, including Terence Crawford, Shannon Briggs, and Claressa Shields. Shields, who is coming off a historic undisputed heavyweight win herself, shared her excitement over Keyshawn Davis’ success. As the roar of the crowd echoed, ‘The GWOT’ couldn’t help but sum up his future in boxing in three simple yet powerful words.
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Claressa Shields believes Keyshawn Davis can do anything
Claressa Shields was quick to congratulate the young champion. Taking to X, Shields wrote, “Way to go @KeyshawnDavis8 !!!!!! And the new 🗣️🤩🤩🤩🤩.” Her excitement was clear, acknowledging Davis as the new WBO Lightweight champion in style. Not just that.
Way to go @KeyshawnDavis8 !!!!!! And the new 🗣️🤩🤩🤩🤩
— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) February 15, 2025
The Flint native, who was spotted with rapper Papoose at Keyshawn Davis’ fight, appeared for a brief yet engaging interview with Fight Hype soon after the action in the ring concluded. The reporter asked her about her thoughts on Davis’ remarkable knockout performance. “Keyshawn’s a very excellent man. Very strong fighter,” Shields stated confidently. And when the conversation turned to a potential showdown between ‘The Businessman’ and Gervonta Davis, Shields didn’t hold back. “Keyshawn can do whatever he wants. I believe in him,” she said, expressing her full belief in Keyshawn Davis’ potential.
The reporter continued, noting Davis’ aggressive fighting style and powerful finishes at 135 lbs. When asked if this presented a challenge for Tank, Shields acknowledged that while the 13-0 boxer is a great fighter, the Baltimore native is a formidable opponent in his own right. “Tank is Tank,” T-Rex stated. Later, Claressa suggested that it’s hard to predict who Keyshawn Davis will face next. But she thinks, “Keyshawn can go against anybody.”
Although Gervonta Davis once dismissed Keyshawn Davis, stating he was “not worth mentioning,” given the 14th February victory against the Ukrainian, nobody can ignore the rising star anymore. So now with the title in Davis’ possession, the question arises: Is Tank Davis the only big opponent for Keyshawn? According to our team at EssentiallySports, there are several other exciting matchups that could make waves in the lightweight division.
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Who Could Keyshawn Davis Face Next?
First on the list is obviously the WBA champion Gervonta Davis. With both men at the top of their game, a clash would not only crown the best in the division but also edge the winner closer to becoming the undisputed champion.
Another potential opponent is Shakur Stevenson, the WBC lightweight champion. A unification bout between these two skilled fighters would be a massive event for the boxing world. The only hurdle is their close friendship. Both fighters have publicly stated that they do not want to face each other. But in a recent interview, Keyshawn Davis has hinted that a massive payday could change their mind.
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Lastly, a grudge match with Teofimo Lopez could be on the horizon. The personal rivalry between the two escalated after a racist incident before Valentine’s Fight Night. Lopez certainly didn’t help cool things down—he threw gasoline on the fire, making the rivalry with Keyshawn Davis even hotter! If this personal animosity persists, it could lead to an intense clash between the two, possibly at super lightweight. Given the history between them, the fight could draw significant attention if other options fall through.
With the WBO Lightweight title now in Keyshawn Davis’ possession, the world is his oyster. Now, we want to hear from you! Who do you think Keyshawn Davis should face next? Is a fight with Tank the most exciting matchup? Or would you like to see him face off with Shakur Stevenson or Teofimo Lopez? Let us know your thoughts!
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Debate
Is Keyshawn Davis ready to take on Gervonta 'Tank' Davis, or should he face Lopez first?
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What’s your perspective on:
Is Keyshawn Davis ready to take on Gervonta 'Tank' Davis, or should he face Lopez first?
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